NBA Plans on Hold … NASCAR eyes resumption … MLB regional possibility

MIAMI (AP) — The NBA has pushed back plans that would allow teams to reopen their practice facilities for at least one week. The NBA had decided over the weekend to have teams open their gyms for voluntary player workouts on Friday, if local and state laws made such a move permissible. But on Monday the league revised that potential opening date until May 8, at the earliest. The NBA says the May 8 date is far from firm, warning teams that it “may push this timing back if developments warrant.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR is racing toward a restart that could come as early as mid-May. The stock car series is trying to put together a schedule that allows it to race in states that have started re-opening. The series is working on safety protocols that other racing leagues will be watching, including no spectators to start. Teams could be back at work in North Carolina race shops by the end of the week when local stay-at-home orders expire.

UNDATED (AP) — As Major League Baseball explores options for starting the 2020 season, one possibility being considered is having groups of teams in Arizona, Texas and Florida. All of those areas have climate-controlled MLB stadiums, and other nearby ballparks. The new Texas Rangers ballpark is among possible venues, serving as a mid-American hub. The Rangers still haven’t played a game in their new stadium, which has a retractable roof.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks are undergoing a major front-office shakeup. With the NHL season on pause because of the coronavirus pandemic, team president John McDonough has been ousted despite a wildly successful run that included three Stanley Cup championships. Still, after three straight seasons of lackluster results, owner Rocky Wirtz says it’s the “right decision.” His 43-year-old son Danny Wirtz is replacing McDonough on an interim basis.

UNDATED (AP) — Houston left tackle Laremy Tunsil became the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman by negotiating a $66 million contract extension with the Houston Texans without the help of an agent. Agents typically take between 1-3% of the contract’s value as their fee, so Tunsil saved a substantial amount by doing it himself. Tunsil says the toughest part was learning the right terminology and being able to voice it to the coaches.